A Ship of the Line

Having read all of C.S. Forester's Hornblower series as a (male) teenager and remembering the excitement it provoked in me, I listened to Ship of the Line. I was not disappointed. The detail of life and combat aboard an 18th century warship and the complexities of seamanship are vivid and satisfyingly complex. I had forgotten that Hornblower used to get seasick upon setting sail after several weeks ashore. The political infighting and maneuvering for prestige among officers of the Royal Navy is especially interesting. This audiobook is nicely read by Christian Rodska.

At first I wasn't sure I would like this book but after the 3rd chapter I was drawn in. The narrator did an excellent job with the different characters creating an audio movie really. I recommend this book if you enjoy historical fiction with naval adventure and tiny bit of romance thrown in.

A ship of the line is a wonderful book. I have read all but one of the Hornblower series of books. I will be reading the final one when I get my next credit. Any of the Hornblower series is is a great read. And Christian Rodska is a fantastic reader. He is able to invest himself to each character in the novel. His ability to read for a woman, old man or young child is fascinating. I never stop to think that this is the same person He is always able to keep in character through many lines of dialog.
What I like about Hornblower is that he does have some faults. He is human character with many of the same insecurities as all of us. However his mental abilities put him above most of the other characters in the book. I find it enjoyable to read a book where loyalty to duty and country are rewarded. You would not be disappointed if you purchased this book, nor any of the other Hornblower series.

Christian Rodska did an excellent job narrating the book. I had finished reading all of Patrick Brian's book on Aubrey and was looking for more 1800 sea stories. I had never read the Hornblower books but do remember the movie. This book was written in 1937 and I believe it was the first book in the Hornblower series. Forester story is so vivid I feel the sway of the deck and hear the slap of the sails. Forester created some exciting sea battle scenes along with the suspense of a storm at sea. The book closed with a cliff hanger so can hardly wait to start the next book in the series.

Sorry I can only listen to the books due to work requirements

Liked all the books so far Mr Forester ends his books kind of sudden It makes me rush to the next one to find out how the action ends A great trick of the author

Liked them all Mr Bush was good as were all the others,he does a great job

A Battle for the ship of the line

Look forward to the next one

Perhaps not as captivating as Forester's previous book, but still a good and interesting listen. Christian Rodska did a great job with the reading, which helped to keep the few dull parts interesting. I found the whole experience enjoyable.

high

All O'Brian and Forester books I have read are of significant quality well worth the purshase.

Even good intonation

The narrator has a droll, amusing delivery, which took a short time to get used to, having become used to Patrick Tull reading the Aubrey/Maturin series. Once I accepted this guy's voice, though, the Hornblower books quickly became favorites. They are worthy of multiple listens.

Hornblower's continual rise amid doubts and self recrimination.

His wry delivery of the voices.

Leftenant Bush. I am to similar to Hornblower to enjoy his company, but I could get along with Bush for the same reasons the hero does.

Why buy a book and listen for 8 hours plus and end in the middle of a battle. what a waste of time. Why buy another book to find out the ending